France faces an outbreak of imported dengue cases, that is to say travelers who return to mainland France with the virus. Between January 1 and April 19, 2024, 1,679 cases were notified to Public Health France, compared to only 131 in 2023. Faced with this resurgence and while the mosquito activity season begins in May, the Health Agency public calls for vigilance.
Recognizable by its black and white stripes and smaller than a penny, the mosquito type Aedes, also known as the tiger mosquito, can transmit diseases such as dengue fever when it has previously become infected by taking the blood of an infected person. It then transmits the virus during a new bite, at which time the infected person can develop symptoms in the following 3 and 14 days.
More aggressive than its gender cousin Culex, the tiger mosquito does not only bite after dark, but also during the day. It is now present and active in all departments of Île-de-France and can be reported to the Regional Health Agency (ARS) in order to better understand its distribution across the territory.
Elimination of stagnant water
In mosquitoes, only the female draws blood. “The sting occurs after mating, once the female has been fertilized. The blood collected during the sting constitutes a source of protein to enable the development of eggs,” specifies theHandles. And to lay their eggs, they need water.
The fight against the proliferation of tiger mosquitoes therefore essentially involves eliminating stagnant water, in particular by emptying the cups of flower pots. The trick is to pour a little sand in there to keep the humidity. In addition, water collection containers must be covered with a mosquito net, gutters unblocked and gardening tools and toys must not be left in the rain for several days in a row.
Impregnated mosquito nets for newborns
The fight against the tiger mosquito also involves the use of physical protection, such as loose, covering clothing, mosquito nets and repellents. DEET-based mosquito repellent solutions are the most effective, provided they are applied regularly and in accordance with the instructions for use determined by the concentration of the product.
For babies aged less than two months, for whom repellents are not recommended, it is recommended to use mosquito nets impregnated with pyrethroids. However, be careful that infants do not suffocate by grabbing and “sucking” on the mosquito net. Pregnant women and children under 12 should also take precautions when using repellents.
“False solutions”
Public Health France completes the advice by recommending the use of fans, as mosquitoes hate moving air, the plugging in of electric diffusers for a longer duration of protection and the use of coils outside.
L’UFC-Que Choisir which looked at the effectiveness of mosquito repellents, however, warns of “false solutions” such as ultrasound devices, mosquito bracelets, or even essential oils which only partially protect. Applications who claim to protect against bites by using sound repellents are useless.
